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The Music Room => General Classical Music Discussion => The Polling Station => Topic started by: Mirror Image on June 01, 2015, 06:56:04 PM

Title: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on June 01, 2015, 06:56:04 PM
(http://c.o0bg.com/rf/image_585w/Boston/2011-2020/2014/01/09/BostonGlobe.com/Arts/Images/Aaron-Copland,-head-of-the-composition-department-at-the-Berkshire-Music-Center,-1940-1965-(Photographer-Unknown---Courtesy-BSO-Archives).jpg)

Another list! This time around there are no stipulations for this poll. Have fun!

My list (in no particular order):

Appalachian Spring (doesn't matter which version as the music is beautiful regardless IMHO)
Clarinet Concerto
Dance Panels
Music for a Great City
Billy the Kid
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Daverz on June 01, 2015, 07:07:53 PM
Appalachian Spring
Danzon Cubano
Symphony 3
Our Town
Clarinet Concerto
Quiet City
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Ken B on June 01, 2015, 07:25:37 PM
Quote from: Daverz on June 01, 2015, 07:07:53 PM
Appalachian Spring
Danzon Cubano
Symphony 3
Our Town
Clarinet Concerto
Quiet City

He's sneakin' one by again.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: springrite on June 02, 2015, 12:23:59 AM
Appalachian Spring
Organ Symphony
Dance Panels
Clarinet Quintet
Quiet City
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on June 02, 2015, 07:13:57 AM
Symphony No.3
Symphonic Ode
The Tender Land (Orchestral Suite)
Symphony for Organ and Orchestra
The Heiress (Film Music) or Quiet City (can't decide).
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Sergeant Rock on June 02, 2015, 08:44:23 AM
Rodeo
Connotations
Dance Symphony
Eight Poems of Emily Dickinson
Appalachian Spring
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on June 02, 2015, 08:48:53 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 02, 2015, 07:13:57 AM
Symphony No.3
Symphonic Ode
The Tender Land (Orchestral Suite)
Symphony for Organ and Orchestra
The Heiress (Film Music) or Quiet City (can't decide).

The Tender Land - Orchestral Suite is just gorgeous, Jeffrey. Nice list.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Ken B on June 02, 2015, 09:12:45 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 02, 2015, 07:13:57 AM
Symphony No.3
Symphonic Ode
The Tender Land (Orchestral Suite)
Symphony for Organ and Orchestra
The Heiress (Film Music) or Quiet City (can't decide).

Nice to see the Ode listed. I have a soft spot for it.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on June 02, 2015, 10:59:39 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on June 02, 2015, 08:44:23 AM
Rodeo
Connotations
Dance Symphony
Eight Poems of Emily Dickinson
Appalachian Spring

Very nice list, Sarge. I'm a bit embarrassed that I don't know Eight Poems of Emily Dickinson. :-[
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Christo on June 02, 2015, 11:03:50 AM
No real surprises here:

Appalachian Spring
Dance Symphony
Symphony No. 3
Organ Symphony
Quiet City
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on June 02, 2015, 11:05:08 AM
Yes, thank you. The Symphonic Ode, has a craggy power which appeals to me, as does 'Cryptic' from 'Statements'. It featured as background music in a video documentary on the  Depression in the USA which I showed to my History students and always wondered what it was; I was delighted to discover it was from 'Statements for Orchestra'. Feel guilty about leaving out 'Danzon Cubano' which is an absolute hoot.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on June 02, 2015, 11:06:15 AM
Quote from: Christo on June 02, 2015, 11:03:50 AM
No real surprises here:

Appalachian Spring
Dance Symphony
Symphony No. 3
Organ Symphony
Quiet City

Great list although I have never quite appreciated Appalachian Spring as others clearly do.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: North Star on June 02, 2015, 11:50:29 AM
Appalachian Spring
Billy The Kid
Sextet for ct pf & sq
Symphony no. 3
Piano Variations
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Sergeant Rock on June 02, 2015, 11:59:47 AM
Quote from: North Star on June 02, 2015, 11:50:29 AM
Piano Variations[/i]

Lenny used to play this to clear out rooms at parties  ;D

Sarge
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on August 02, 2016, 07:46:20 AM
My new 'Top 5' list will probably be pretty boring since I'm so enamored with Copland's "Populist" works (in no particular order):

Appalachian Spring
Billy the Kid
Rodeo
Clarinet Concerto
Symphony No. 3
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on August 04, 2016, 07:24:08 AM
Where is Karl's list?!?!? This is an outrage! Paging...Mr. Henning. Paging...Mr. Henning. :)
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Karl Henning on August 04, 2016, 10:23:20 AM
As requested, though next week the list may be different:

Nonet
Sextet
(cheers, Karlo!)
Billy the Kid (ditto)
Symphony for Organ & Orchestra
Piano Concerto
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on August 04, 2016, 10:25:12 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on August 04, 2016, 10:23:20 AM
As requested, though next week the list may be different:

Nonet
Sextet
(cheers, Karlo!)
Billy the Kid (ditto)
Symphony for Organ & Orchestra
Piano Concerto


Great list, my friend. Organ Symphony is great fun!
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on August 04, 2016, 01:05:28 PM
Today's list

Symphony for Organ and Orchestra
Symphonic Ode
Symphony 3
A Lincoln Portrait ( I know it's a bit kitsch and full of non-sequiturs but I still love it - Adlai Stevenson is my favourite narrator - by the way,  is there a version narrated by Donald Trump?)  8)
Danzon Cubano (a hoot)
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on August 04, 2016, 01:10:43 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 04, 2016, 01:05:28 PM
Today's list

Symphony for Organ and Orchestra
Symphonic Ode
Symphony 3
A Lincoln Portrait ( I know it's a bit kitsch and full of non-sequiturs but I still love it - Adlai Stevenson is my favourite narrator - by the way,  is there a version narrated by Donald Trump?)  8)
Danzon Cubano (a hoot)

A very fine list, Jeffrey. I like the Lincoln Portrait narrated by James Earl Jones. Quite good. What's your favorite performance of Symphonic Ode. There's several of them.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on August 04, 2016, 01:57:44 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 04, 2016, 01:10:43 PM
A very fine list, Jeffrey. I like the Lincoln Portrait narrated by James Earl Jones. Quite good. What's your favorite performance of Symphonic Ode. There's several of them.
I like the James Earl Jones version too John but his narration is very very slow and also I keep thinking that it's being narrated by Darth Vader - who would not be an appropriate choice at all.  8)
That's a difficult question about the Symphonic Ode. I think that Copland's own version and the more recent recording by MTT are my favourites - how about you:
[asin]B000003G4A[/asin]
This CD is available for under £2.00 on Amazon UK - an incredible bargain.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on August 04, 2016, 02:06:38 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 04, 2016, 01:57:44 PM
I like the James Earl Jones version too John but his narration is very very slow and also I keep thinking that it's being narrated by Darth Vader - who would not be an appropriate choice at all.  8)
That's a difficult question about the Symphonic Ode. I think that Copland's own version and the more recent recording by MTT are my favourites - how about you:
[asin]B000003G4A[/asin]
This CD is available for under £2.00 on Amazon UK - an incredible bargain.

Hah! Yeah, then there's the always reliable Henry Fonda narration. I seem to fall back on that one whenever I want to hear that work. I have to say that Schwarz's may be my favorite performance of Symphonic Ode, but I've really enjoyed all that I've heard: Copland's and MTT's. Yep, that's a great MTT recording right there. I've owned it for years.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on August 04, 2016, 02:36:15 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on August 04, 2016, 02:06:38 PM
Hah! Yeah, then there's the always reliable Henry Fonda narration. I seem to fall back on that one whenever I want to hear that work. I have to say that Schwarz's may be my favorite performance of Symphonic Ode, but I've really enjoyed all that I've heard: Copland's and MTT's. Yep, that's a great MTT recording right there. I've owned it for years.
The Schwarz has recently been reissued over here on Naxos so I will be giving that another listen.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on August 04, 2016, 02:50:59 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 04, 2016, 02:36:15 PM
The Schwarz has recently been reissued over here on Naxos so I will be giving that another listen.

Very nice. I own the original on Delos. Should give it another listen myself, but first the MTT! :)
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on August 04, 2016, 05:51:11 PM
Hmmm I don't know a lot of Copland.

For now I think I am gonna say.......

Piano Variations
Night Thoughts
Short Symphony
Piano Concerto
Sextet
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on August 04, 2016, 10:50:04 PM
Quote from: jessop on August 04, 2016, 05:51:11 PM
Hmmm I don't know a lot of Copland.

For now I think I am gonna say.......

Piano Variations
Night Thoughts
Short Symphony
Piano Concerto
Sextet
Interesting list which eschews the more popular works. I like the Piano Concerto but need to listen to more of the chamber works.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on August 04, 2016, 11:12:02 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on August 04, 2016, 10:50:04 PM
Interesting list which eschews the more popular works. I like the Piano Concerto but need to listen to more of the chamber works.
I have heard a few other works, but I remember enjoying these ones the most really. I really love it when Copland strips his music back to the simplest of ideas, clarity of line, harmony and orchestration. Grand, sweeping gestures and music for much larger forces are good fun, but I think his personal style shows more in the smaller works.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on February 13, 2017, 04:35:35 PM
I suppose an updated list will be needed now ( :) ) -

Billy the Kid
Short Symphony (Symphony No. 2)
Symphony No. 3
Symphonic Ode
Quiet City


Ask me again tomorrow and I'm sure it'll be different.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 13, 2017, 04:56:22 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 13, 2017, 04:35:35 PM
I suppose an updated list will be needed now ( :) ) -

Billy the Kid
Short Symphony (Symphony No. 2)
Symphony No. 3
Symphonic Ode
Quiet City


Ask me again tomorrow and I'm sure it'll be different.
Be sure to post again tomorrow! I would probably have to change my list from last time too, since I have discovered remarkable works such as 'Connotations' and 'Inscape'
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on February 13, 2017, 04:57:41 PM
Quote from: jessop on February 13, 2017, 04:56:22 PM
Be sure to post again tomorrow! I would probably have to change my list from last time too, since I have discovered remarkable works such as 'Connotations' and 'Inscape'

Connotations is a cool work, but I'll have to revisit Inscape as it's been awhile since I've heard it.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on February 14, 2017, 01:10:25 AM
Prob still very close to my original list:

Symphony 3
Organ Symphony
Tender Land Suite
Symphonic Ode
Lincoln Portrait (Ormandy/Stevenson)

Of the ballet scores 'Billy the Kid' remains my favourite and if it was a 'greatest' list I'd include that in preference to the Lincoln Portrait.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on February 14, 2017, 01:12:31 AM
Quote from: Daverz on June 01, 2015, 07:07:53 PM
Appalachian Spring
Danzon Cubano
Symphony 3
Our Town
Clarinet Concerto
Quiet City
Danzon Cubano is one of the most life-affirming and enjoyable works I know. Quiet City is wonderful.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on February 14, 2017, 05:09:11 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on February 14, 2017, 01:10:25 AM
Prob still very close to my original list:

Symphony 3
Organ Symphony
Tender Land Suite
Symphonic Ode
Lincoln Portrait (Ormandy/Stevenson)

Of the ballet scores 'Billy the Kid' remains my favourite and if it was a 'greatest' list I'd include that in preference to the Lincoln Portrait.

Still a winning list, Jeffrey. 8)
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Monsieur Croche on February 14, 2017, 06:08:44 AM
Appalachian Spring, the full-length original in its orchestration for 13 instruments.
For me, quintessential Copland in his populist mode, and a masterpiece.
https://www.youtube.com/v/kt5Eq317bX8

In a most similar vein, The Tender Land.  The opera (I've read) suffers from a weak libretto, while if this well-known excerpt The Promise of Living is indicative of the quality of the remainder of the full score, the music, if not the libretto, is on a high level of 'success.'
...as staged by the Berkeley Opera, with, again my favored version, a pit orchestra of chamber dimensions.
https://www.youtube.com/v/tDAbNaF6EYQ
...in the composer's full orchestral concert suite version, with one of the more brilliant and effective photo montages set to classical I've seen!
https://www.youtube.com/v/oLVyRvp2Qbg

Vitebsk, piano trio, a Study on Jewish themes (1928)  in his 'serious / non populist' mode.  Far less known than his other works, and a strong piece.  Imo, this deserves more exposure, play.
https://www.youtube.com/v/JenRfoIYS_k
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Karl Henning on February 14, 2017, 07:46:06 AM
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on February 14, 2017, 06:08:44 AM
Appalachian Spring, the full-length original in its orchestration for 13 instruments.
For me, quintessential Copland in his populist mode, and a masterpiece.

https://www.youtube.com/v/kt5Eq317bX8

Aye.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 14, 2017, 11:35:07 AM
Why is the full ballet recorded so rarely if it's only ten minutes longer than the suite?
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on February 14, 2017, 07:13:17 PM
Quote from: jessop on February 14, 2017, 11:35:07 AM
Why is the full ballet recorded so rarely if it's only ten minutes longer than the suite?

Let's ask Bartok about his Miraculous Mandarin while we're at it. ;)
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 14, 2017, 08:40:41 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 14, 2017, 07:13:17 PM
Let's ask Bartok about his Miraculous Mandarin while we're at it. ;)
I've only ever listened to the full ballet...never the suite....
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Monsieur Croche on February 15, 2017, 12:59:14 AM
Quote from: jessop on February 14, 2017, 11:35:07 AM
Why is the full ballet recorded so rarely if it's only ten minutes longer than the suite?

It's all about business:

Generally, union regs require time and a half remuneration for the musicians -- and ancillary stage crew -- if a concert runs over ca. one hour, twenty minutes.

A suite that is a little under/over twenty minutes' duration will fit neatly as programmed within the  duration time of a standard symphonic program, i.e. a symphony or concerto alongside two or three shorter works (plus that requisite ca. 20 minute intermission interval.)

The length of these pared-down suites also very much suited the 'programming' of how many pieces could be put on an LP vinyl recording -- ca. 60 min (usually a hair minus).  The later additional ca. 10 minutes' play time CD's afford probably has little or no effect on the expected duration of a more currently made suite, since concert presentation is still an important factor.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Monsieur Croche on February 15, 2017, 01:04:23 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 02, 2015, 10:59:39 AM
Very nice list, Sarge. I'm a bit embarrassed that I don't know Eight Poems of Emily Dickinson. :-[

I forgot to mention these, too.  I know them in the piano and voice setting (don't even know if he orchestrated them.*)  They really are fine.
Voice & piano: Barbara Bonney, sop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7Cao1tsgBE
*Just checked... orchestrated, Yep. Barbara Hendricks, LSO; Tilson-Thomas
https://www.youtube.com/v/TiZgLZgUR18
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: zamyrabyrd on February 15, 2017, 01:49:08 AM
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on February 14, 2017, 06:08:44 AM
...in the composer's full orchestral concert suite version, with one of the more brilliant and effective photo montages set to classical I've seen!
https://www.youtube.com/v/oLVyRvp2Qbg

Thanks, very beautiful and nostalgic, too.
Title: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Karl Henning on February 15, 2017, 02:07:12 AM
I could really go for a Lincoln Portrait narrated by Darth Vader.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on February 15, 2017, 06:22:57 AM
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on February 15, 2017, 01:04:23 AM
I forgot to mention these, too.  I know them in the piano and voice setting (don't even know if he orchestrated them.*)  They really are fine.
Voice & piano: Barbara Bonney, sop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7Cao1tsgBE
*Just checked... orchestrated, Yep. Barbara Hendricks, LSO; Tilson-Thomas
https://www.youtube.com/v/TiZgLZgUR18

That is a fine work as well. I know the orchestrated version. That very Hendricks/MTT performance you linked above is the first recording I heard of the work.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Monsieur Croche on February 15, 2017, 10:10:07 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on February 15, 2017, 02:07:12 AM
I could really go for a Lincoln Portrait narrated by Darth Vader.

It will never happen, but I would be very interested in A Lincoln Portrait without the narration.

Either way, it makes for an excessively long ring-tone ;-)
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: James on February 16, 2017, 01:56:38 AM
What to Listen for in Music
Appalachian Spring Suite
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on February 17, 2017, 04:49:21 AM
Quote from: Monsieur Croche on February 15, 2017, 10:10:07 AM
It will never happen, but I would be very interested in A Lincoln Portrait without the narration.

Either way, it makes for an excessively long ring-tone ;-)

That's a great idea! Then I could do the narration myself:

'Abe Lincoln was a quiet and a melancholy man and this is what he said....'

Wonderful suggestion.  :) :)
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Karl Henning on February 17, 2017, 04:54:49 AM
Music Minus One!
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Rons_talking on February 17, 2017, 06:56:05 AM
So many candidates...

for today:

Appalachian Spring
Music for a Great City
Nonet for Strings
Symphonic Ode
Dance Panels


Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on February 17, 2017, 07:00:44 PM
Quote from: Rons_talking on February 17, 2017, 06:56:05 AM
So many candidates...

for today:

Appalachian Spring
Music for a Great City
Nonet for Strings
Symphonic Ode
Dance Panels


So happy to see Dance Panels get some love. I feel this is such an underrated work in Copland's oeuvre. I was just listening to Music for a Great City a night or two ago and I still get chills whenever I heard the Night Thoughts movement. It's such a picturesque nocturne.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on February 17, 2017, 07:05:42 PM
After thinking long and hard for a few days about what my list will be now that I am familiar with more of his works..........

Connotations
Night Thoughts
Short Symphony
Appalachian Spring (honestly, any version will do!)
Sextet
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on February 17, 2017, 07:37:40 PM
Quote from: jessop on February 17, 2017, 07:05:42 PM
After thinking long and hard for a few days about what my list will be now that I am familiar with more of his works..........

Connotations
Night Thoughts
Short Symphony
Appalachian Spring (honestly, any version will do!)
Sextet

The only work I'm not familiar with the solo piano work, Night Thoughts, but since this isn't a genre I'm particular interested in, it's no surprise that I haven't heard it before.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on May 08, 2018, 08:05:09 PM
I definitely have to change my list again as there's just so many great Copland works...

(In no particular order)

Violin Sonata
Sextet
Appalachian Spring (original version for 13 instruments)
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson
Symphony No. 3
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mahlerian on May 08, 2018, 08:13:53 PM
Hmm...so I haven't posted here yet.  Here goes, in alphabetical order:

Appalachian Spring (any version that includes all of the music)
Inscape
Piano Fantasy
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson
Short Symphony
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Daverz on May 08, 2018, 08:37:03 PM
Quote from: Ken B on June 01, 2015, 07:25:37 PM
He's sneakin' one by again.

I use alternative counting.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: arpeggio on May 09, 2018, 01:27:43 AM
Now this is one I think I can keep at five:

Orchestral Variations
Appalachian Spring
Billy the Kid
Rodeo
Outdoor Overture


Wow! I did it.  There are a few others like El Salon Mexico and The Red Pony but I am happy with the above five.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Sergeant Rock on May 09, 2018, 03:20:18 AM
Quote from: Daverz on May 08, 2018, 08:37:03 PM
I use alternative counting.

So does Mirror Image. Here's his list of "five"  ;D

Appalachian Spring (doesn't matter which version as the music is beautiful regardless IMHO)
Appalachian Spring (original version for 13 instruments)
Clarinet Concerto
Dance Panels
Music for a Great City
Billy the Kid
Rodeo
Symphony No. 3
Short Symphony (Symphony No. 2)
Symphonic Ode
Quiet City
Violin Sonata
Sextet
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson

Sarge
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on May 09, 2018, 04:52:50 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on May 09, 2018, 03:20:18 AM
So does Mirror Image. Here's his list of "five"  ;D

Appalachian Spring (doesn't matter which version as the music is beautiful regardless IMHO)
Appalachian Spring (original version for 13 instruments)
Clarinet Concerto
Dance Panels
Music for a Great City
Billy the Kid
Rodeo
Symphony No. 3
Short Symphony (Symphony No. 2)
Symphonic Ode
Quiet City
Violin Sonata
Sextet
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson

Sarge

:P
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: SymphonicAddict on March 26, 2019, 06:21:46 PM
Symphony No. 3
Symphony for organ and orchestra
Four Dances from 'Rodeo', especially the Saturday Night Waltz. It's thoroughly enchanting, almost touching.
El Salon Mexico
Symphonic Ode or Appalachian Spring (incredibly I don't know the latter that much!)
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on March 26, 2019, 11:41:04 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on March 26, 2019, 06:21:46 PM
Symphony No. 3
Symphony for organ and orchestra
Four Dances from 'Rodeo', especially the Saturday Night Waltz. It's thoroughly enchanting, almost touching.
El Salon Mexico
Symphonic Ode or Appalachian Spring (incredibly I don't know the latter that much!)

Very much agree with this list Cesar although I'd probably include the Tender Land Suite rather than El Salon Mexico, much as I enjoy that work and definitely the Symphonic Ode rather that Appalachian Spring.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: amw on March 27, 2019, 01:59:05 AM
Piano Fantasy
Piano Variations
Piano Sonata
Piano Concerto
Last spot intentionally left blank although there are probably several pieces that could go there....
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: some guy on March 27, 2019, 03:18:38 AM
Grohg
Inscape
Connotations
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
Short Symphony
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on March 28, 2019, 12:45:16 PM
Quote from: some guy on March 27, 2019, 03:18:38 AM
Grohg
Inscape
Connotations
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
Short Symphony

Very interesting list.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Peter Power Pop on March 28, 2019, 04:56:06 PM
Appalachian Spring - Orchestral Suite
https://www.youtube.com/v/8e3rVcSy3IQ

The Red Pony - Suite
https://www.youtube.com/v/1GKC5YYFHwI?list=PL4uzEMBO4g_iI40ylVhZGSak-9jUrEgkf

Quiet City
https://www.youtube.com/v/SvRKcwYpgug

Three Piano Excerpts from Our Town
https://www.youtube.com/v/bQbKMwfggb8

Clarinet Concerto
https://www.youtube.com/v/oXbcnogxlSg
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: San Antone on March 28, 2019, 06:16:39 PM
Copland is one of my favorite composers, so there are more than five works that "top" my list. 

In chronological order:

Music for the Theatre

Four Piano Blues

Vitebsk: Study on a Jewish Theme

Billy the Kid; ballet

Quiet City

Lincoln Portrait for narrator and orchestra (with Henry Fonda)

Rodeo; ballet

Music for Movies: Of Mice and Men; The City; Our Town

Appalachian Spring; ballet - 13 instruments

The Red Pony

Clarinet Concerto for clarinet and string orchestra with harp (esp. the Benny Goodman recording)

Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson

Old American Songs I & II

The Tender Land Suite

Dance Panels

Nonet for Strings

Night Thoughts: Homage to Ives for piano

Threnodies for Flute and String Trio
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Daverz on March 29, 2019, 01:39:10 AM
Looks like a good listening list, San Antone.

I really enjoyed Grohg on the new Slatkin CD.  Hadn't paid much attention to this oddly named piece before.

[asin]B07MX27KLG[/asin]
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: San Antone on March 29, 2019, 01:55:59 AM
Quote from: Daverz on March 29, 2019, 01:39:10 AM
Looks like a good listening list, San Antone.

I really enjoyed Grohg on the new Slatkin CD.  Hadn't paid much attention to this oddly named piece before.

[asin]B07MX27KLG[/asin]

Those Slatkin/DSO recordings are really good, IMO.  I should pay more attention to Grohg, an early work and one I've not heard.

I found this description of the work:

QuoteGrohg, Ballet In One Act is a product of his early compositions in Paris and the first work that he orchestrated.  Boulanger suggested Copland write a ballet because of the popularity of Stravinsky's ballets commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev for his  Ballet Russe.  Copland took as his inspiration the German silent movie Nosferatu, a vampire film based on the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. Copland asked the writer-director Harold Clurman to write a scenario for the ballet. Clurman's scenario deals with a sorcerer that brings corpses to life to dance for his pleasure.

[Listening to it right now; won't join my list of favorites, but a worthwhile experience.]
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: some guy on March 29, 2019, 09:35:21 AM
You've all heard some of the music from Grohg, though, as Copland used it to make the Dance Symphony.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: kyjo on May 30, 2022, 09:52:08 AM
Symphony no. 3
Dance Symphony
Billy the Kid
Symphonic Ode
Sextet (its original orchestral incarnation, the Short Symphony, is great too)

A few years ago I would've doubtlessly included Appalachian Spring, but recently I've suffered from over-exposure to it. Regardless, it's a timelessly beautiful piece.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Christo on May 30, 2022, 11:08:29 AM
Symphony no. 3
Dance Symphony
Appalachian Spring
Quiet City
El Salon Mexico
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: LKB on May 30, 2022, 01:31:17 PM
Suite from The Red Pony
Quiet City
Rodeo
Billy the Kid
Fanfare for the Common Man
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on May 30, 2022, 01:41:36 PM
Quote from: Christo on May 30, 2022, 11:08:29 AM
Symphony no. 3
Dance Symphony
Appalachian Spring
Quiet City
El Salon Mexico

Nice list - for some reason I've never got on well with Appalachian Spring even when I first heard it. I ended up much preferring the Tender Land Suite which was on the B side of my LP.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on May 30, 2022, 01:42:12 PM
Quote from: LKB on May 30, 2022, 01:31:17 PM
Suite from The Red Pony
Quiet City
Rodeo
Billy the Kid
Fanfare for the Common Man

I really like the Suite from the Red Pony as well.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on May 30, 2022, 01:43:36 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on May 30, 2022, 01:41:36 PM
Nice list - for some reason I've never got on well with Appalachian Spring even when I first heard it. I ended up much preferring the Tender Land Suite which was on the B side of my LP.

Appalachian Spring is a masterpiece, Jeffrey. Keep trying with it. Copland's own performance of the original version for chamber ensemble is superb.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on May 30, 2022, 01:45:27 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 30, 2022, 01:43:36 PM
Appalachian Spring is a masterpiece, Jeffrey. Keep trying with it. Copland's own performance of the original for chamber ensemble is superb.
I really do like it John - it's just never been a favourite.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on May 30, 2022, 01:48:32 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on May 30, 2022, 01:45:27 PM
I really do like it John - it's just never been a favourite.

The thing that amazes me about the work is its inclusion of the Shaker tune Simple Gifts and the way Copland caps off the work with this melody is nothing short than brilliant. An American masterwork!
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Lisztianwagner on May 30, 2022, 01:58:34 PM
Let's see:

Appalachian Spring
Rodeo
Clarinet Concerto
Lincoln Portrait
Piano variations


But I must confess I should improve my knowledge of Copland's music, I see there are many compositions mentioned here which I don't know.....
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on May 30, 2022, 02:06:06 PM
Quote from: Lisztianwagner on May 30, 2022, 01:58:34 PM
Let's see:

Appalachian Spring
Rodeo
Clarinet Concerto
Lincoln Portrait
Piano variations


But I must confess I should improve my knowledge of Copland's music, I see there are many compositions mentioned here which I don't know.....

Nice list, Ilaria. Yes, please do explore more of Copland's music. Of his chamber works, the Violin Sonata and Sextet are great favorites. There are an inordinate amount of orchestral works from him that I love as my numerous posts in this thread reveal. ;)
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Biffo on May 31, 2022, 02:18:17 AM
Until I get to know Symphony No 3 better -

Appalachian Spring
Old American Songs
Rodeo
El Salon Mexico
Billy the Kid
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on May 31, 2022, 06:41:16 AM
Quote from: Biffo on May 31, 2022, 02:18:17 AM
Until I get to know Symphony No 3 better -

Appalachian Spring
Old American Songs
Rodeo
El Salon Mexico
Billy the Kid

All Populist period works, no love for the early or late Modernist works?
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Biffo on June 01, 2022, 01:24:40 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 31, 2022, 06:41:16 AM
All Populist period works, no love for the early or late Modernist works?

I have a few other pieces but they are probably all from what you call the Populist period.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on June 01, 2022, 04:34:32 AM
List No.37b (probably the same as the previous 36)

Symphonic Ode (MTT)
Symphony No.3 (Slatkin with original ending)
Lincoln Portrait (Ormandy/Stevenson)
Symphony for Organ and Orchestra (Bernstein/Power Biggs)
Tender Land Suite (Copland/RCA)
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: San Antone on June 01, 2022, 06:54:15 AM
I am a fan of Copland but one work I've never thought much of, but seems to be one of his most popular, is Fanfare for the Common Man.  I just don't get it.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on June 01, 2022, 07:00:16 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 01, 2022, 04:34:32 AM
List No.37b (probably the same as the previous 36)

Symphonic Ode (MTT)
Symphony No.3 (Slatkin with original ending)
Lincoln Portrait (Ormandy/Stevenson)
Symphony for Organ and Orchestra (Bernstein/Power Biggs)
Tender Land Suite (Copland/RCA)

Great list, Jeffrey. Although I don't really rate Lincoln Portrait as highly as you do. I never cared for works that contain narration. The music itself is great. My favorite performances are Charleston Heston/Abravanel on Vanguard, but also Henry Fonda/Copland on Columbia (Sony).
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Symphonic Addict on June 01, 2022, 03:10:08 PM
Symphony No. 3
Symphonic Ode
Piano Concerto or Clarinet Concerto (or both, what the heck!  ;D)
Billy the Kid
Grohg or Appalachian Spring (same as above)
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on June 01, 2022, 03:44:55 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 01, 2022, 07:00:16 AM
Great list, Jeffrey. Although I don't really rate Lincoln Portrait as highly as you do. I never cared for works that contain narration. The music itself is great. My favorite performances are Charleston Heston/Abravanel on Vanguard, but also Henry Fonda/Copland on Columbia (Sony).
I like the Heston/Abravanel as well John. I'm not so keen on the Henry Fonda version, although he's a fine actor. I even saw it live a while back - poorly narrated by Charles Dance with a melodramatic fake American accent.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on June 01, 2022, 03:47:08 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 01, 2022, 03:44:55 PM
I like the Heston/Abravanel as well John. I'm not so keen on the Henry Fonda version, although he's a fine actor. I even saw it live a while back - poorly narrated by Charles Dance with a melodramatic fake American accent.

A melodramatic fake American accent is never a good thing, but neither is an English one, which I've heard from plenty of American actors. ;) I'm a case in point: each time I try an English accent it somehow morphs into Australian. ::) ;D
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on June 02, 2022, 06:12:02 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 01, 2022, 03:47:08 PM
A melodramatic fake American accent is never a good thing, but neither is an English one, which I've heard from plenty of American actors. ;) I'm a case in point: each time I try an English accent it somehow morphs into Australian. ::) ;D
V funny!
I must say that I have no desire to hear the versions of A Lincoln Portrait narrated by 'Mrs Thatcher' - (listening to that over and over again would be worthy of a place on the lower levels of Dante's 'Inferno') or the one narrated by Norman ('Stormin Norman') Schwarzkopf.
PS the best English accents by American actors are by those who have partly British heritage (like Gwyneth Paltrow in 'Shakespeare in Love' - although I am no great fan).
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on June 02, 2022, 06:34:33 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 02, 2022, 06:12:02 AM
V funny!
I must say that I have no desire to hear the versions of A Lincoln Portrait narrated by 'Mrs Thatcher' - (listening to that over and over again would be worthy of a place on the lower levels of Dante's 'Inferno') or the one narrated by Norman ('Stormin Norman') Schwarzkopf.
PS the best English accents by American actors are by those who have partly British heritage (like Gwyneth Paltrow in 'Shakespeare in Love' - although I am no great fan).

If I heard Margaret Thatcher narrate Copland's Lincoln Portrait, I would take the CD out of the player and smash it to smithereens. ;D
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on June 04, 2022, 12:47:17 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 02, 2022, 06:34:33 AM
If I heard Margaret Thatcher narrate Copland's Lincoln Portrait, I would take the CD out of the player and smash it to smithereens. ;D
;D
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Olias on July 18, 2022, 07:36:23 AM
Symphony 3
Appalachian Spring
Fanfare for the Common Man
Down A Country Lane
Old American Songs (set 1 especially)
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Karl Henning on July 18, 2022, 07:51:25 AM
I have a nagging feeling I've played already, but here goes:

Nonet for strings
Sextet

Appalachian Spring (original chamber version)
Symphonic Ode
Piano Concerto
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on July 18, 2022, 12:12:20 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on July 18, 2022, 07:51:25 AM
I have a nagging feeling I've played already, but here goes:

Nonet for strings
Sextet

Appalachian Spring (original chamber version)
Symphonic Ode
Piano Concerto


Ah, you have, indeed. ;)

Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on August 04, 2016, 10:23:20 AM
As requested, though next week the list may be different:

Nonet
Sextet
(cheers, Karlo!)
Billy the Kid (ditto)
Symphony for Organ & Orchestra
Piano Concerto

Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Karl Henning on July 18, 2022, 12:17:51 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 18, 2022, 12:12:20 PM
Ah, you have, indeed. ;)


Substantially consistent, anyway ....
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: LKB on July 18, 2022, 12:19:52 PM
I may also have played already, but anyway:

The Red Pony Suite
Rodeo
Billy the Kid
Quiet City
Appalachian Spring

Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: Mirror Image on July 18, 2022, 12:58:49 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on July 18, 2022, 12:17:51 PM
Substantially consistent, anyway ....

Yeah, it appears you've kept some works intact, indeed. 8) I really ought to give the Nonet for Strings another listen as it's been too long. It appears not only in your own list, but some other members' lists as well.
Title: Re: Top 5 Favorite Copland Works
Post by: vandermolen on July 31, 2022, 11:06:52 PM
I need to re-hear the Nonet as well.
List No.37b

Symphonic Ode
Symphony for Organ and Orchestra
Symphony No.3 (with original ending)
Quiet City
The Tender Land Suite

Bonus choice (if allowed): Lincoln Portrait